Catalytic Converter / Exhaust : Yet Another Thread

[SBK03SE]

I've read all the exhaust/ cat threads. My issue is hopefully short and sweet.
I think I have a tiny hole in one of the cats causing heat shield rattle.
I've been meaning to replace the whole thing anyway. I was quoted $575 for new cats and exhaust at the local muffler shop. I haven't shopped around but I know I can get the parts cheaper and perhaps even improve the sound and performance while I'm at it. I want to keep the price reasonable as I'm a recent undergrad-graduate heading to graduate school, pennies must be pinched .

The mechanic said I could replace both resonators under the seats and that would stop the noise. At this point I don't know what the problem is. However, I would be highly appreciative if anyone can recommend a good setup that is reasonably priced.

Cats?
Resonators show some welding work was done, so I want to replace them.
Exhaust could use a little more oomph in the sound department and I would prefer a muffler that would improve performance by providing a freer flowing solution.

Thanks in advance!
SBK03SE

[yngw13]

I will watch this thread...
I need a new exhaust coz its rusted out as reported by the local dealership

Im hoping to get a magnaflow muffler (#12258) 2 in / 1 out

but I dont know if the muffler shop will provide the 2.25 tubing to replace the rusted parts...so I might need info on that...and still have to drive around to see if I can find a small outfit that will do all the install for cheap

[miamiheat3332]

Its probably the heatshields, the ones that are right under the drivers side front door, get under the car and check them. I used thin wire to tie mine down for now because the one part where they are welded broke.

[SBK03SE]

I had heatshield rattling before, I went to Pepboys they removed them, or some?
But it does indeed sound exactly the same as that heat shield issue I had before.
How would I know what they look like? I'm not exactly ready to drop $600 yet.

PS: Finally ordered the clear corners.

[Innovazn]

Ill solve your problem for you right here and now.

step1

Do your cats need replacing.

Yes - youre f***, change em.
No - You're golden, dont change them save money

step 2

Do you want to get rid of the rattle

Yes - get rid of the resonators and dont bother putting new ones in
No - too bad, live with it no money spent.

Why get rid of the resonators?

A) Gets rid of restrictive piping
B) Gets rid of rattling
C) increased performance
D) makes things sound so much sweeter
Summary
piping is cheaper then a new resonator that restricts exhaust and makes everything quiet

Be prepared to drop 300 MINIMUM for piping and mufflers
I've spent about 400 on my exhaust. Extra 50-100 for a nice looking tip (i didn't and it doesnt bother me... yet)

[SBK03SE]

Thanks Innovazn.
I'm going to get a second opinion on the source of the sound by going to a different shop. This guy was way too eager to negotiate.

How much louder are we talking if I delete the resonator? I don't want to sound like a diesel tractor.
Rattle is a tad annoying but I will thoroughly weigh my options.

[Innovazn]

Thanks Innovazn.
I'm going to get a second opinion on the source of the sound by going to a different shop. This guy was way too eager to negotiate.

How much louder are we talking if I delete the resonator? I don't want to sound like a diesel tractor.
Rattle is a tad annoying but I will thoroughly weigh my options.

Taken from Wiki

"The exhaust pipes in automobile exhaust systems are designed as acoustic resonators that work with the muffler to reduce noise, by making sound waves "cancel each other out"[1]. The "exhaust note" is an important feature for many vehicle owners, so both the original manufacturers and the after-market suppliers use the resonator to enhance the sound. In 'tuned exhaust' systems designed for performance, the resonance of the exhaust pipes is also used to 'pull' the combustion products out of the combustion chamber quicker."


Personally, my 2.25 dual in 2.5 single out magnaflow muffler with straight piping cat back gives it a nice rumble, nothing TOO extreme. You will hear it in the cabin but it isnt annoying. Warning, getting an exhaust will make you want to waste gas for the first few months until you get used to the noise.

[SBK03SE]

Ok, so straight piping and that 12258 should be around 300 including labor?

[wisehunter1]

Yea I got the 12258 magnaflow for around 90 and labor and piping to be 125/133 with tax... so total under 300. I'm about to get a resonated exhaust tip though.

[SBK03SE]

Update: Just went for a drive today, the rattle was not there at all. This is bugging me now because now it's intermittent instead of consistent.

Granted, I still want to upgrade the exhaust anyway. I found the 12558 for $98 on Amazon. The rest of the parts should be available in the shop correct?

Ultimately what I'm asking for is a Resonator delete, straight pipe to the 12258 and that's it, correct?

[yngw13]

Yea I got the 12258 magnaflow for around 90 and labor and piping to be 125/133 with tax... so total under 300. I'm about to get a resonated exhaust tip though.

custom exhaust shop? Are you gonna put a glass pack for the tips? Tnx atleast I know the ballpark $$ amount

sbk03se ....the muffler shop should have all the pipes you might need....and benders too...

[yeldogt]

Most of the OE system is stainless steel -- make sure the problem is not the connector hardware or the hangers -- some of that is not SS and is known to rust and cause problems. Also, the original heat shields are very thin and do rust and rattle. The two resonators under the seats are often the main problem - they split at the seams and cause noise problems -- often they look fine - but are actually split.


If you take the car to a good shop that does mufflers they can fix all the problems -- they cut out the rusting joint hardware welding the pipes together and weld the two seams on each resonators.

Most of the aftermarket muffler parts are not SS and don't last like the OE parts -- The replacement resonators are smaller round tubes vs the oval OE ones.

[SBK03SE]

Will do, I'm gonna shop around first to see if a reputable shop can fix the random sound, otherwise I may cough up the extra dough and go Magnaflow as well.